As South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka by 102 runs in their tournament debut on Saturday, Aiden Markram hammered a century in just 49 balls, the quickest in the history of the men's 50-over World Cup. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, there was some harsh batting as three of South Africa's top four batsmen struck quick hundreds to help their team score a tournament-record total of 428-5.

Markram's fiery 106 off 54 balls eclipsed Quinton de Kock's 100 and Rassie van der Dussen's 108, but all were still impressive scores.

Kevin O'Brien's 50-ball century against England during the 2011 World Cup was surpassed by Markram.

After short comebacks by Kusal Mendis (76), Charith Asalanka (79), and Dasun Shanaka (68), former champions Sri Lanka were dismissed for 326 in 44.5 overs.

The greatest total in the men's World Cup was South Africa's massive score, which replaced Australia's 417-6 against Afghanistan in 2015.

After winning the toss, Shanaka decided to field, and the 1996 winners didn't have to wait long for a breakthrough.

Temba Bavuma was out after being caught by Dilshan Madushanka in the second over, but De Kock and Van der Dussen combined for an exhilarating 204 runs in the following 29 overs, preventing Sri Lanka from celebrating another dismissal.

De Kock screamed and punched the air in celebration of reaching an 83-ball century after pulling Matheesha Pathirana.

The following ball, he attempted another draw, but instead top-edged to mid-on and left the field after a quick stroke that featured three sixes.

When Van der Dussen attempted to hit Dunith Wellalage out of the park, he holed out, thereby ending his almost run-a-ball knock.

When Markram gained control, boundaries began to pour in as he bashed 14 fours and three sixes.

Mendis chose to fight fire with fire and sped to a 25-ball fifty, threatening to break Markram's record, as Sri Lanka returned to start their chase.